When it rains, we grab an umbrella; when it's cold, we put on a coat; we defend ourselves from the elements because the effects are quickly appreciated. How do we take care of ourselves when exposed to viruses and bacteria? Our immune system acts just like an umbrella or a coat by trying to shield us from outside influences.

We are constantly being exposed to viruses and bacteria that can adversely affect our well-being. Fortunately, our bodies can overcome most intruders if our immune system is in good shape.

Viruses are very small, microscopic organisms that consist of DNA or RNA protected by a protein layer. They need a ‘host’ cell in order to multiply in our bodies. Mucous membranes are very susceptible to viral attacks such as the lungs and respiratory passages.

Bacteria are single cell organisms capable of multiplying themselves. Not all bacteria are bad. It is important to realize that bacteria are everywhere and most of them are completely harmless and some are very useful. However, there are some forms of bacteria that wind up in the body and attack our cells. These bacteria are the ones that make us sick.

Viral and bacterial infections are spread in several ways. Skin to skin contact between people can pass along viruses or bacteria. Bodily fluids such as blood and saliva, can also contain harmful organisms. Often a person with a cold can spread infection just by coughing or sneezing.

Proper hygiene is an excellent way to protect ourselves from viral and bacterial infections. Washing hands thoroughly is an excellent way to avoid catching a cold. If you know someone who has a cold it is best to avoid shaking hands or having physical contact with them. Avoid rubbing eyes or nose after shaking someone’s hand, just to be safe. Use separate cutting boards for vegetables and meats or clean cutting boards with vinegar or lemon juice after each use.

It is not known why colds and flu are more prevalent in the winter. Viruses and bacteria do not thrive in the cold. In some remote arctic villages people spend the entire winter in very cold weather and do not get sick. It is when people arrive in the springtime with supplies that these communities contract colds and flu. Some people think being inside around other people, and lack of fresh air and sunshine, are why we get sick more in the winter. With the start of each new school year in the fall many students share the same space, breathing the same air thus spreading viruses to their classmates. Increased travel during the holidays, along with the lack of exercise during the colder months may also add to the spread of viruses and bacteria.

Since plants do not have an immune system, they rely on chemical compounds to protect them from disease. These chemical compounds make herbs a valuable asset to our health. Some plants defend themselves against viruses and bacteria by producing antiviral and antibiotic compounds. When we consume these plants their protective compounds may protect us. The tradition of herbs has given us a great insight as to which herbs may be helpful in the face of microscopic outside influences. For thousands of years herbs have been employed to assist our health, humans are considered the largest testing ground for confirming the usefulness of herbs. Herbs are experiencing a renaissance in today’s culture with a growing acceptance as a way to maintain our health.

Echinacea has long been recognized by the Native Americans as a versatile and medicinal herb. It can be used for coughs, colds and sore throats as well as many other uses. Research has found echinacea to stimulate phagocytosis, the process in which immune cells fight disease-causing organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Echinacea can increase immune cell function by fighting all outside invaders instead of specific ones, giving the body overall protection. Both Germany and England officially recognize echinacea for its effects on viral and bacterial infections and therapy for cold symptoms and respiratory infections.

Several compounds found in garlic have been shown to have antimicrobial, antiviral and antiprotozoan activity, making garlic an excellent wintertime herb. Allicin is an excellent antioxidant compound, which limits cellular damage caused by oxidizing agents. Garlic has been traditionally used to fight off and treat the symptoms of the common cold and studies offer verification of its medicinal properties. Research suggests that people are far less likely to get a common cold when taking a garlic supplement each day than those who do not.

Olive leaf’s use as a medicinal herb goes back over 2000 years. Research has shown oleuropein, an active flavonoid compound in the leaves, fruit and bark, to have an excellent resistance to a wide variety of viruses, as well as bacteria, fungi and microbes. Olive leaf has become a popular supplement because of its effect on common winter conditions. Traditional folk literature and recent research credits olive leaf with a wide range of actions to help fight infections and to generally cleanse and regulate the system. For centuries, folk healers have used yarrow to regulate fevers and mucus secretion. Hanna Kroeger combined olive leaves with yarrow as a synergistic complement to the formula.

In traditional folk herbalism, both of these herbs are treasured for their ability to maintain healthy fluid and mucus secretion; soothe the lungs, throat and nose; help fight infection; dislodge toxic metals in the kidneys; and support healthy digestion, elimination and purification. Tradition teaches us that mucus accumulation results from poor digestion and sluggish elimination, which creats a backlog of toxins. When the body fights infection, a large amount of toxins accumulate within the body.

Banckes Herbal in 1525 noted that rosemary tea has “much worthe against all manner of evils in the body.” In France during World War II rosemary leaves and juniper were burned in hospitals to kill germs. Research has found antibacterial properties in rosemary oil.

Rosemary has a long list of uses and properties such as an antibacterial, antioxidant, astringent, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, diaphoretic, nervine, stimulant and tonic. The tea has been used for headaches, depression, nervous diseases, colds and colic. It has also been used for asthma and other lung and throat conditions.

Rosemary has been found to have significant antioxidant properties. Studies suggest that rosemary’s antioxidant actions may be better than the popular vitamin C or green tea.

VYR Defense is a unique combination of treasured garden herbs based on age-old European household remedies. Raspberry and Basil have a long folk history of use for colds, sore throat, fevers, nausea or diarrhea. Studies indicate raspberries and basil may be helpful for these conditions although further testing is needed to confirm these findings. Folk herbalists prize lettuce for its mild calming properties on the nervous system and for abdominal cramping that may accompany flu and other minor infections. Together, these herbs work synergistically to be very useful for viral infections, especially those that are “deep” in the body.

Infections do not make you feel bad, it is your body’s natural immune response that is responsible for fever and achiness. These symptoms are an indication that your immune system is working, as unpleasant as they might be. Herbs may alleviate or lessen some of the symptoms while still allowing the immune system to work properly.

Drink plenty of water, get enough rest, cut down on mucus forming foods like dairy products. If you are sick it is best to stay at home. Don’t go to work, school or public places and limit contact with others. This will limit you from infecting the people around you. When you are not sick get some exercise (as simple as walking) and spend a little time outside to acclimate your body to the seasonal changes. Keep a positive attitude -- emotions can affect our immune system, feeling good about ourselves can keep us healthy.

If we equip ourselves with knowledge on how to support our immune system we can minimize the effects of viruses and bacteria. This is especially true during the winter months when they seem to be most prevalent. Herbs are enjoying a revival in today’s culture as a way to maintain our health. So now, more than ever, good quality options are available to us.